300TDi Welsh Plug

[Ace]

Hi all, i smelt coolant yesterday so i hunted around looking for the source and the welsh plug on the turbo side of the engine closest to the front of the engine has a slight leak. I was wondering if anyone has changed this whilt the engine has been in. It is clearly visible, and getting it out shouldnt be a problem but i am not sure if i will be able to get a clear swing to tap the new one back in. Got any ideas other than pulling stuff off to clear a space to work? Matt

[incisor]

if you have access, do it in place.

punch a hole in the old one and lever it out with a screwdriver or similar.

clean the bore of the hole with emery paper and apply a little "stag" jointing paste to the bore and the outer surface of the new welch plug and tap in using a socket that just fit into the inside of the welch plug and hammer in square.

no problemos.....

[rick130]

and to add to inc's comments, use a brass one.

[Ace]

Getting it out shouldt be a problem but i am worried about whether i will have enough room to get enough of a swing with the hammer to tap the new one in. Is it better to slightly warm the engine to get the new one in easier or doesnt it make a difference? Matt

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">how much space do you have exactly.....?

you dont need to belt the bejeezus out of it......just tap it.....
you shouldnt need to take big swings.......


you only really need a medium size hammer.....it may take a few more taps to get it in......
but it should still go in no problems....just dont go in too far......


to get the old one out....just hit it in the bottom of the cup using a flat punch.....
then when it pivots just grab it with multi grips and gently wiggle it out.....</span>

[rick130]

Mat, I was able to change the one in the back of the head no worries in the Defender.

[Ace]

No worries thanks guys, i reckon there should be room then. I will get one and have a crack at it during the week. Matt

[Surferjim]

I too have smelt some coolant, but no descernible leak as far as I can make out - not that I have been able to look much around.

Am new to the diesel thing, so would be interested in hearing more about this and any other issues.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">where abouts in sydney are you....?</span>

[Surferjim]

Bondi Beach - if you were asking me........

I also checked the coolant expansion tank this morning (at least I assume that is what the black thing is) and it's lower than low......

[Pavo]

surferjim, Do you smell it from inside the car? Check thoroughly the carpets around the centre console in the foot well incase they are damp - the heater matrix could be leaking.

As far as driving it around with low coolant - everything I've ever read on this forum suggests the Tdi's hate that alot.

[Surferjim]

No - nothing inside at all, just a faint smell outside.

Tank was OK when I set off on 200km trip, but 1/2 full when I returned. Got it booked into Graeme Coopers tomorrow for a look over before I transfer the rego into my name.